Resolute says strike at Mali mine won’t impact guidance
Australia’s Resolute Mining (ASX, LON: RSG) said on Tuesday that a five-day strike at its Syama gold mine in Mali over its covid-19 policy is unlikely to impact the company’s 2020 production guidance.
Resolute expects to produce between 400,000 and 430,000 ounces of gold at all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of $980 per ounce. It had originally forecast 500,000 ounces for the year, but early measures related to containing the spread of the global pandemic forced the miner to revise the target.
Stoppages at Syama during the third quarter delayed the production of a further 15,000 ounces of gold during the period, the company said in September. That is when workers staged a 10-day strike before signing an agreement with the company.
Syama’s union leader said the strike centred on Resolute’s decision to put some workers on furlough and others on unpaid leave during the pandemic.
Resolute owns 80% of Syama and the Malian government holds the remaining 20%.
Mali is one of Africa’s largest gold producers. Companies operating in the country include Barrick Gold (TSX: ABX) (NYSE: GOLD) and AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE: AU) (JSE: ANG), which are in the process of selling their 80% stake in the Morila mine.